The clock is ticking. FIFA, and Brazil’s World Cup officials, will be acutely aware that not all the stadiums are ready, and that the infrastructure necessary for hosting the biggest sporting event on the planet is far from ideal, but unless something unprecedented happens the opening match will take place on 12th June.
Brazil vs Croatia
There are some mouth-watering games in prospect, the first being a chance to watch the hosts – and strongly-fancied favourites – in action. Brazil v Croatia kicks off at 17.00 local time and will be seen by fans of Argentina, Spain and Germany in particular as a chance to spot weaknesses in the Seleção.
Under manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, Brazil have played 20 games since February 2013, losing just 2 of them – both friendlies played in Europe. They’ve drawn four, two of them European friendlies, the other two friendlies in Brazil. Every competitive game they’ve played, they’ve won, usually by a large margin and irrespective of location. Something to think about if you’re considering betting against them!
Spain vs Netherlands
Our next unmissable game takes place the following day. Spain v the Netherlands is a rerun of the frankly disgraceful 2010 World Cup Final in which no less than 14 yellow cards were issued. A match this early in the tournament between two great footballing nations would be a treat anyway, but with this much bad blood in the mix it should be a real highlight!
Spain are the holders of course, having fulfilled decades of promise in South Africa, and they’ve only lost twice since the start of 2012 – to Brazil in Brazil, and South Africa in South Africa. The Dutch have been runners-up three times since 1974 and didn’t lose a single game in 2013. They have three friendlies to play before the tournament begins, which should give them a chance to gel, and provide some insight for anyone wishing to back them in Brazil.
Belgium vs Russia
Our final pick from the Group Stage is Belgium v Russia on 22nd June. Belgium are 5th favourites to lift the trophy, with many bookies offering odds of around 14/1. The New Golden Generation, featuring an array of talent that includes Romelu Lukaku up front, Eden Hazard in midfield and Vincent Kompany at the back will be put to the test against Fabio Capello’s Russia.
For such a small nation to be hot favourites against such a huge one is extraordinary, and it’s possible that Russia will suffer in major international competition because almost none of the squad play abroad. Remember, however, that they topped their qualifying group which included Portugal – and drew with Brazil in a March 2013 friendly in London.
Photos by telegraph.co.uk, arabia.msn.com, smimg.net, and fm-base.co.uk
